You would be surprised to hear how many Medicare eligible clients do not understand how Medicare actually works. With an aging population, and enrollees at the highest levels to date (expected to increase dramatically with the baby boomers entering the system starting in 2011), it is most important to know the ins and outs of the system to ensure coverage in place when you need it.
Posts Tagged ‘heath insurance’
64? Let’s Talk About Medicare
Tuesday, March 9th, 2010Anthem Blue Cross PPO Share Plan Changes
Monday, November 16th, 2009
No Premium Increases for Medicare Part B in 2010
Monday, September 28th, 2009For the 42 million seniors and people with disabilities who are currently enrolled in Medicare Part B, a recent vote has ensured that there will be no premium increase for Part B. The standard premium is currently $96.40; slightly higher for those with incomes over $85,000 for individuals or $170,000 for couples. This premium is calculated annually to cover around 25% of the Medicare program. For 2010, this would mean the premiums would be at about $103 (and up!) per month. However, there is a “hold harmless” policy which eliminates this rate hike, by utilizing $2.8 billion from a 2008 fund to improve Medicare.
Due to the economic recession, Social Security’s cost-of-living adjustment is expected to be zero, and therefore the checks will not increase. Therefore, if the Part B premium increase is projected to be more than the increase in Social Security, most current Medicare enrollees are ensured no premium hikes. As with any law, however, there are loopholes and if Congress did not step in, there would have been some enrollees who would have not fallen under the hold harmless policy (i.e. new Medicare enrollments, and those whose premiums are not deducted from the Social Security checks). With the implementation of this act, all Medicare enrollees will be spared any rate increases for their Part B premiums.
Gender Based Rating and Health Care Reform
Tuesday, June 16th, 2009These days, everyone seems to be ready for change. The idea of national health care, coverage for all people (regardless of pre-existing conditions), and the end of gender based rating, is top priority.
One of the biggest issues these days is the fact that men and women are charged different amount for the same plans, at the same age, regardless of health history. Insurance companies defend this disparity by the fact that women tend to utilize health services more frequently than men, especially during their child bearing years. Therefore, instead of being rewarded for taking on a proactive role with their health care, they are penalized by 25% to 50% higher rates than their male counterparts.
With greater government regulation, it is thought that gender differentiation will be a thing of the past. As an effort to keep health insurance out of the hands of the government, and become more user friendly, insurance carriers will need to find ways to be easier on those seeking their own plans, or the millions of currently uninsured individuals nationwide.
California, the Stimulus Package, and You
Wednesday, May 13th, 2009We have all heard by now that the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, also known as the Stimulus Package should bring some much needed relief to the State of California. As the unemployment rate jumps to historic highs, and millions of Californians find themselves also without health insurance, it is vital that federal agencies step up to the plate. The goal is to obtain health coverage assistance, increase the quality of health care, and invest in health-related technologies.
Online Quoting Makes it Easy
Tuesday, April 28th, 2009Insuresaver.com’s online access to insurance quotes, is an easy way to research and purchase health insurance coverage.
Our simple quoting system offers quick, easy, and convenient ways to buy health insurance coverage from the comfort of your own home.
